The longest ski runs
The incredible Valais descents offer skiers endless fun. Ski runs up to 25 kilometres long – non-stop, without ever having to use a ski lift.
Some physical fitness is essential. And especially the love of skiing. And off you go down the perfect pistes, from the high peaks down into the valley. With fantastic carving conditions, challenging slopes and headlong schusses. The only reason for skiers to stop are the many picturesque ski huts situated along the pistes.
Ripaille – Grand-Paradis
This scenic red run is particularly appealing for its variety of landscapes and terrain along its 10 kilometers. Starting at an altitude of 1,820 metres, the descent finishes at 1,055 metres, after a combination of straight schusses and twisting trails. Snowy peaks, fragrant pine forests and the dramatic pinnacles of the Dents du Midi and the Dents Blanches high above: the backdrop for this fun run is simply enchanting.
Becs de Bosson – St-Jean
From the summit station of Becs de Bosson, skiers and snowboarders enjoy a wide choice of runs ranging from easy to difficult. A blue piste leads past Bendolla and on towards Grimentz, with a turning off to St-Jean. This final section follows a freeride route, marked yellow, featuring a short section through a clearing in the forest. In all, the descent measures 8 kilometres, with a total vertical drop of 1,500 metres.
Torrent – Leukerbad
This spectacular run in the Leukerbad ski area starts at Schwalbennest at the top of the Torrent sector and leads over 9.7 kilometres down to Flaschen. The first section from Lingelen to Torrentstafel is also the hardest. After this highly technical descent, you can let your skis run all the way to the Torrentalp station, before gliding down another 3.1 kilometres of gentle slope to the cable car station at Flaschen.
Hockenhorngrat – Wiler
Start from Hockenhorngrat at an altitude of 3,111 metres for a thrilling descent of 14 kilometres. Enjoy breathtaking views of 40 mountain summits higher than 4,000 metres before setting off along a combination of runs of all levels of difficulty. A final descent leads to Wiler in the Lötschental valley, at 1,419 metres.
Törbeltal – Bürchen
From the top of the Törbeltal lift (2,550 m), snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy the full vertical range of the Moosalp ski area in one glorious, extended run of more than 5 kilometres, all the way down to Bürchen. The descent is full of variety – and demanding, too, with a vertical drop of about 1,000 metres.
Mittelallalin – Saas-Fee
The 9-kilometre run starts at Mittelallalin at an altitude of 3,500 m. From here, you ski down the glacier past dramatic crevasses to Längfluh and then over steep terrain to Spielboden. You now have the choice: if you like mogul runs and unprepared snow, you will enjoy the run via the Weisse Perle – the “White Pearl”. Alternatively, the usual piste is easier. Both routes lead all the way back to the resort of Saas-Fee. Along the way, various mountain restaurants offer refreshments and a chance to relax.
Bella Tola – Weiler Prilet
The Prilet piste is regarded as one of the finest runs in the Val d’Anniviers and boasts clear views of the “Couronne impériale”, the “imperial crown” of 4,000-metre peaks that frame the end of the valley. The descent begins at the panoramic peak of Bella Tola at 3,025 metres. Of medium difficulty with an average gradient of 7 per cent, the run extends for 6.2 kilometres to the hamlet of Prilet at 1,655 metres that lies at the edge of the St-Luc ski area.
Les Attelas – Verbier
The 10-kilometre run linking Les Attelas with Verbier is magnificent – yet presents no particular difficulty. You can descend straight to Verbier or profit from a little detour via Les Ruinettes, following a sunny stretch of piste. First thing in the morning, carving enthusiasts can enjoy wide, immaculately prepared pistes virtually all to themselves.
Rothorn – Visperterminen
Starting point for this run is the Rothorn at 2,338 metres, accessible via the eponymous T-bar from Giw. At the summit, skiers and snowboarders can choose between 12 kilometres of blue or seven kilometres of red pistes and one black run for the first section back to Giw. From here, one blue and one red piste lead all the way down to Visperterminen (1,340 m).
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – Zermatt
A breathtaking run of 25 kilometres from the cable car station of Matterhorn glacier paradise all the way down to Zermatt. The starting point lies at an altitude of 3,883 m – which makes it the highest cable car station in Europe. Before setting off on your run, take your time and enjoy the magnificent view of the mountain peaks of three countries – Switzerland, France and Italy.
